Maryland-Duke Preview: Terrapins Must Maintain Poise Down the Stretch

In the remaining six weeks of the Maryland Terrapins’ 2008-2009 regular season schedule, there will be little room for error.

Four of their next six games will be against teams ranked in the Associated Press top 10.

A huge test of will begins tomorrow when Maryland (13-5, 2-2 ACC) tips off with fierce rival the Duke Blue Devils (17-1, 4-0 ACC) in Durham, North Carolina.

Duke and Maryland run a similar offensive rotation, where they rely on a four-guard scheme, and create turnovers through stifling, man-to-man defense.

Despite the presence of 7'1" center Brian Zoubek, the Blue Devils implement a perimeter-oriented attack.

Several notable analysts believe Maryland must get Duke out and running early so they won’t get into an offensive rhythm.

It is important to establish tempo, which would mean the Terrapins have to execute their patented pressure defense effectively.

Be opportunistic!

Once a turnover is created, capitalize on the good defensive play with points on the other end of the floor.

Take high percentage shots, and above all else, get on the boards.

Duke ranks third in the ACC in scoring offense (80.1 points per game) and first in scoring defense (60.3 points per game).

The Blue Devils also rank third in field goal shooting (47.3 percent) and fourth in average rebounding margin (plus 6.9 per game).

Maryland counters these numbers, ranking eighth, fifth, 12th, and 12th in those respective categories.

Most of Maryland’s current roster is made up of hard-nosed, local area stars that are not as recognizable as the starting lineup that Duke possesses.

The key individual matchup for this nationally televised event belongs to the inside post players.

Duke’s Kyle Singler and Maryland’s Landon Milbourne are the interior enforcers for their respective teams.

Though both are listed as forwards, they typically play the No. 4 role from outside of the lane.

These gentle giants prefer to play away from the basket, generating their offense from grabbing rebounds off of missed shots.

ESPN analyst Jay Bilas describes his take on what both teams have to do on Saturday to secure a win.

“I don’t think this is a news flash—Duke’s a better team,” said a forthright Bilas. “So in that regard they don’t match up, but as long as [Maryland] can stay in front and guard the ball and rebound, I think they’ll be very competitive, and they have always been unafraid. Maryland’s always played Duke tough, without fear, and that’s the way you have to play them.”

Duke can afford to play more often further away from the basket, because they have others players that can consistently rebound, whereas Maryland needs Milbourne to shadow the lane.

He has to work overtime to get around screens and box out to grab the ball from Duke’s athletic frontcourt players.

Florida State associate head coach Stan Jones (whose team beat the Terps a week ago in OT 76-73 in Tallahassee) believes Duke may try to exploit the size differential by bringing Singler (6'8", 235 pounds) into the post off of screens.

He also noted that Milbourne’s quick feet could negate this strategy and actually help Maryland when they try to set up their half-court offense.

Milbourne is only an inch shorter than Singler, but he gives up about 20 pounds to his foe.

If Maryland can claim victory, the easier it will be for the NCAA tournament selection committee to remember them if they find themselves “on the bubble.”

What is known is that the ACC is as strong as it has been in years. 

The three other teams that the Terps will face after the Duke game are No. 1 Wake Forest, No. 5 North Carolina, and No. 10 Clemson.

If Duke wins, they most certainly will become the No. 1 team in the country, as Wake Forest lost this week to the Virginia Tech Hokies, 78-71.

Virginia Tech’s RPI ranking jumped 11 spots to No. 39 after knocking off the previously undefeated Demon Deacons.

Maryland has postseason hopes on the line and needs to put together a complete performance.

No victory is won with words.

You have to play to win the game.

Maryland has its objective, and so does Duke.

Turn up the surround sound on your luxurious Hi-Def LCD television sets, and prepare yourself for another great ACC showdown.